New Ulm weekly review., 1887-09-21
ALL FOR QUEEN ISABEL.
BY EVA KATHERINE CLAPP.

VI IAAo iAi'AOA 1CCOLS-u III y Sell. lU WchS III
the south OF Ireland and in the brave
old days when q mans honor, not his
money, was the standard of his social
rank. Men defended themselves then
by the sword instead OF the lawsuit.
No doubt I am behind the times, but
I greatly prefer the old method my
self.
''This duel, however, was not so
much an affair of honor strictly
speaking, a case Of love and jealousy.
Tragical enough it proved to be, too.
"We were staying for a few OF the
autumn weeks at Lotus hall. 1t was
a. delightful old place, rich in historic
associations, and had been in the
Ely family from time imme-
mortal. The house was low-roofed,
quaint, and roomy structure, not so
much lofty or imposing as a pictur-
esque and interesting, with it's numer
Gus wings, its queer gables, and dormer
mer windows peeping out in odd and
unlooked-for ways. .-..
'The Elys were one OF those English
families who, having crossed over and
settled in Ireland at an early date,
soon became more Irish than the
Irish themselves. Isabel. the only
daughter OF the family we were visiting,
was certainly one of the most beauti-
tul girls that it has ever been my bless
ing and privilege 20 see (for l hold it
to be a gracious privilege and Joy to
look upon really beautiful woman);
and even in a. country famous for the
wit and beauty of it's women, Isabel
deserved the name she had won of
"Fair Queen Belle." Yet, alas, she was
but full of life, spirited, and imper.
ious in charming little ways; never
coldly cruel, yet too much inclined to
exercise her power over mems hearts
from sheer exultation in the magic of
her womanly beauty and charm.
Yet no student OF physiognomy could
look at her expressive, sensitive, in
tense face without feeling sure that
when her true prince should appear
the girl would love with all the fervor
and strength OF her strong, proud
nature. The reader Of character
would also feel sure that the man who
would win her would he no carpet
knight or utterer of pretty batteries,
rather one who should compel and
command her allegiance by force OF
will and character.
'"To describe her features is task
I like not, since after all is told, her
winning, arch, sweet presence was the
bloom and perfume OF her charm, but
to those who care to know I will say
that Queen Belle had features not
regular, but harmonious and delicate
her nose was the genuinec oquette's
nose. slightly retrousse, or 'tip.tilted,'
as the poet expresses it. Her dark,
deep, gray eyes were overshadowed
by the longest, blackest lashes, and
verify believe, that ever fringed such
orbs OF changeful light; and they gave
most poetic charm to a face other
wise, perhaps, a triie too proud, too
much inclined to remain calmy indif-
ferent in expression. Her complexion.
neither blonde nor brunette,
was pale, very clear, while just 81 faint
Spanish-like tint OF brown gave it a
southern warmth which was very
beautiful and uncommon. Altogether
a woman of the most charming type,
one whose grace and beauty were
sooner felt by the heart than compre-
hended or analyzed by the intellect.
Who can put in cold set terms the
wistful beauty of a perfect April day?
"Capt. Devine, one OF the guests
present with myself, and himself as
dashing, handsome young fellow as
ever l knew, talked OF her constantly.
I noticed that his most intimate
friend, Harold Charters, always
listened quietly to Devine's rawlings
over Miss Ely's beauty and mental
graces. The young men wers close
friends, cousins, and had been true
comrades ever since childhood, when
they had both been punished together
for many q boyish escapade, up to
the time when, as soldiers. they had
shared together the hardships, dan
gers and glory of their first campaign,
and had drunk from the same canteen
and slept under the same blanket.
"Capt. Devine was the younger of
the two by several years, and his SAN
guine, joyous temperament made HIM
seem mucn younger Chan MS rather
reserved and quiet friend. Devine had
the reputation Of being great favcr-
ite with women, and even the fastid-
ious Miss Ely had seemed to accept
his attentions (during the short time
he had been at the halD, with the air
of one who enjoyed the young fellows
bright and witty talk, 10 say the least.
"Rumor h it that Isabel and
Harold Charters had once, not long
before, been true lovers, yet that, for
some unknown reason, possibly
!sabeps caprice, not openly acknowl-
deged as much. Be that as it may,
had upon several occasions noticed a
look upon Bellies countenance that
was.:almost pathetic in its appealing
expression as she looked at Harold
Charters. | also took note Of the
fact that his dark, resolute face
never seemed tn soften or ,bo,o, =,